The US State Department has cleared a potential $3.5-billion missile sale to Germany, paving the way for Berlin to acquire SM-6 Block I and SM-2 Block IIIC interceptors for its upcoming F127 air and missile defense frigates. Germany’s request includes 173 SM-6 Block I missiles and 577 SM-2 Block IIIC missiles, along with launch canisters for MK 21 and MK 13 Vertical Launch Systems. The package also covers test equipment, spare parts, engineering support, integration work, and long-term sustainment.
The SM-6, designated by the US Navy as the RIM-174 Standard Extended Range Active Missile, is a versatile interceptor capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface strikes, and terminal ballistic missile defense. Raytheon states that it is the only missile capable of executing all three missions. With a range beyond 200 kilometers and a top speed nearing Mach 3.5, the SM-6 can engage threats far past the radar horizon.
Germany also aims to equip its fleet with the emerging SM-2 Block IIIC, the newest variant in the Standard Missile family. This model replaces the older semi-active seeker with a dual-mode seeker that combines active and semi-active guidance. It introduces a redesigned dorsal fin and a jet-tab thrust-vectoring system for improved flight control and engagement performance against anti-ship cruise missiles and tactical aircraft. Development is expected to finish by September 2031.
Both missile systems will serve as core components of the future F127 frigate, which enters service in the mid-2030s to replace the current Sachsen-class. German shipbuilders NVL Group and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will jointly produce the 10,000-ton platform based on the MEKO A-400 Air & Missile Defense design. The frigates will feature the Aegis combat system integrated with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and are expected to carry a mix of Naval Strike Missiles, 3SM Tyrfing anti-ship missiles, and potentially Tomahawk Block V cruise missiles. Germany plans to acquire at least five ships, with options to expand the fleet to eight.
